Padres manager Craig Stammen confirmed Wednesday that Miller will serve as the team's closer in 2026, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

The announcement was merely a formality, as Miller always appeared likely to open the season as the Padres' closer once Stammen confirmed in December that the 27-year-old righty would remain in the bullpen in 2026 and after Robert Suarez bolted for Atlanta in free agency. After being acquired from the Athletics last July in a stunning deadline deal, Miller turned in a 0.77 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 45 strikeouts to go along with two saves in 23.1 innings to close out the Padres' regular season. Now that he's in line to receive the overwhelming majority of save chances in San Diego to go along with his typically pristine ratios, Miller has a strong argument for being the first closer off the board in fantasy drafts.

Albies (hand) said Wednesday that he's 100 percent healthy for the start of spring training, Reggie Chatman of 11 Alive News Atlanta reports.

Albies missed the final week of 2025 after suffering a hamate bone fracture of his left hand, and the 29-year-old has likely been back to full health for a while. The switch-hitting second baseman said Wednesday that he has something to prove in 2026 after a disappointing season in which he posted a career-low .671 OPS over 157 games. Albies' ability to stay on the field and pile up plate appearances still made him useful from a fantasy perspective, as he delivered solid returns in the counting categories last year with 16 home runs, 14 stolen bases, 74 runs and 74 RBI.

Eldridge shagged flyballs in left field in Giants camp Wednesday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Eldridge has not seen time in the outfield since he played 26 games in right field between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A San Jose in 2023. A position switch from first base is not expected, but the Giants want him to add some defensive flexibility to his portfolio. The plan is for Eldridge to split playing time between DH and 1B with Rafael Devers.

Holmes (elbow) said Wednesday that he's 100 percent healthy as spring training gets underway, Reggie Chatman of 11 Alive News Atlanta reports.

Holmes didn't pitch after July 26 last season due to a partial UCL tear in his right elbow, but he was able to avoid surgery and treated the injury with rest and rehab. He was cleared to begin a throwing program in early September, and he evidently experienced no complications while building up over the offseason. A healthy Holmes will have a secure spot in the Atlanta rotation with Spencer Schwellenbach beginning the season on the 60-day injured list due to an elbow injury that could require arthroscopic surgery.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Wednesday that Priester will be brought along slowly at the start of camp, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Priester is recovered from the wrist injury he dealt with late last season, but Murphy said that the right-hander has "had a couple things that have kept him from progressing." The manager added that Priester hasn't been shut down and has thrown bullpen sessions, so the Brewers are seemingly just being extra cautious with him. Priester went 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA and 132:50 K:BB over 157.1 frames with Milwaukee during the regular season.

The Phillies announced Wednesday that Robert will be delayed at the start of spring training due to a cardiovascular issue, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Robert finished 2025 on the 60-day injured list due to a left forearm strain, but it's an unrelated issue that will put him behind Philadelphia's other pitchers. Robert was non-tendered in November before being brought back on a minor-league deal earlier this month, so he was already considered unlikely to win a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora "seems to be leaning toward" batting Anthony leadoff against right-handers, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Jarren Duran was Boston's primary leadoff man for most of 2025, but Anthony took over the spot in August and posted a 1.003 OPS in 27 games before an oblique strain ended his season. Anthony is fully healthy now, and while he should remain in the lineup most days against southpaws as well, he'll hit lower in the order when he doesn't have the platoon advantage. Duran is likely to open the season batting third versus righties.

The Phillies announced Wednesday that Mercado will be delayed at the start of spring training due to a right shoulder injury, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The report doesn't provide many details on the injury, but even a minor concern could be enough to close the door on any chance the right-hander had at securing a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. Mercado has made eight appearances (two starts) for Philadelphia over the last two seasons, allowing 21 earned runs on 23 hits and 14 walks in just 16 innings.

The Phillies announced Wednesday that Kerkering will be delayed at the start of spring training while he recovers from a Grade 1 hamstring strain, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Kerkering will be limited to rehab work in the early stages of camp, but because he's typically deployed as a one-inning reliever, he won't need much ramp-up time once he's cleared to get back on a mound. The hard-throwing right-hander hasn't quite developed into the reliable high-leverage option the Phillies envisioned when he first reached the big leagues in 2023, but he'll be a key part of the bridge to closer Jhoan Duran in 2026.

Gore (ankle) was seen throwing a bullpen session Wednesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Gore wasn't expected to be entering spring training with any restrictions after a minor right ankle impingement kept him out of action for the final week of the 2025 season, but his ability to throw a side session on the second day of camp confirms he's healthy. Acquired in a January deal that sent five prospects to Washington, Gore is likely penciled in as the Rangers' No. 3 starter behind Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi (core).